Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Extension office is pleased to announce the following Environmental Horticulture Programs, for February, 2012. These programs are being offered by Wendy Wilber, Environmental Horticulture Agent.

Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening – February 9, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Millhopper Branch Alachua County Public Library (3145 NW 43rd Street). This class recurs on February 10, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Extension Office (2800 NE 39th Avenue).

This class recommends which crops to grow in a spring garden and efficient techniques for growing vegetables in raised beds. Demonstration gardens are located on site.

Fruit Crops for Alachua County – February 23, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Millhopper Branch Alachua County Public Library (3145 NW 43rd Street). This class recurs on February 24, from 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Extension Office (2800 NE 39th Avenue).

Developing and maintaining a successful home orchard requires special horticultural skills. A well-designed and well-managed home orchard can furnish both fine fruit and pleasant hours of gardening. This class describes the various types of orchard fruits, their suitability to the Florida home orchard, and the process involved in raising a home orchard.

There is no cost for these classes. Seating is limited, pre-registration is recommended.

For more information or to register for any of these programs, http://alachua.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar.shtml or call 352-337-6209 (voicemail) or 352-955-2402.

All Extension Programs and Services are open to all without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin or handicap.  For persons requiring special accommodations, please contact the Extension office at (352) 955-2402 (voice) or TDD/TYY (352) 955-2406 or at the Alachua County Extension Service, 2800 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL  32609.  Please contact the Extension Office at least five working days prior to the program so that proper consideration may be given to the request.